Hennessey: Filling a Giant role

I've worked exclusively out of the bullpen so far this year and it seems to be working out OK.

In the long run, I'm not really sure if my style of pitching is suited better for the bullpen than the starting rotation. I've always liked being a starting pitcher and starting games. I've had some success in that role, too.

But this is working this year and I'm not about to complain. I've been able to learn a lot and I think I'm becoming a more complete pitcher as a result. It's probably a good thing for my career.

I've been more aggressive and had a more aggressive attitude coming out of the bullpen and that's helped me develop my skills as a pitcher, overall. When I'm out there, I'm really trying not to get behind in too many counts because that gives the batters the advantage. I've improved in that area this season.

In the bullpen, everyone fills holes and does what needs to be done. It's a great mentality in the bullpen. It's fun when everyone is doing whatever it takes to win ballgames.

I don't know where my career will take me at this point. But relieving this season is definitely helping me become a better pitcher.

Brad Hennessey, a Toledo, Ohio, native who was drafted 21st overall in the 2001 First-Year Player Draft by the Giants, is now in his fourth season. He worked exclusively as a starter in 2004 and 2005 before splitting his time last year between the bullpen and the starting rotation. This year, he has a 3.38 ERA and 1.13 WHIP over 34 2/3 innings.

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.